The ballistic ammunition, which was determined to have been fired from Iran and, after crossing the airspace of Iraq and Syria, was directed towards Turkish airspace, was timely intercepted and neutralized by the NATO air and anti-missile defense forces deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, announced the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey.
“It was determined that part of the ammunition that fell in Dörtyol district, Hatay province, belongs to anti-missile munitions of the air defense system that operated after the destruction of the mentioned threat in the air. There were no deaths or injuries in the event. Our determination and ability to ensure the safety of our country and our citizens is at the highest level. While Turkey is on the side of regional stability and peace, it is capable of protecting its territory and its citizens regardless of who and where the threat came from,” the statement said.
It also states, “all steps to defend our territory and airspace will be taken decisively and without hesitation. We remind you that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile act directed against our country.”
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense calls on all parties to refrain from moves that could lead to further expansion of the conflict in the region.
“Within this framework, we will continue consultations with NATO and other allies,” the publication added.
The head of the Directorate of Communications of the Republic of Turkey Burhanettin Duran also spoke about this incident, saying that the intercepted missile was destroyed by the NATO air defense system. Also, he adds, a part of the interceptor missile fell in an open area in Dörtyol (Hatay), and no one was killed or injured.
“Our institutions followed the process immediately and in full coordination. Our determination and ability to ensure the security of our country and our dear people are at the highest level. All necessary steps to defend our territory and airspace will be taken without hesitation. Any hostile actions will be responded to within the framework of international law. In this process, consultations and cooperation with NATO and our allies will continue,” the statement said.
Duran calls on all parties to refrain from moves that could increase tensions in the region and lead to the spread of the conflict to a wider area, stressing that it is extremely important for the parties to act with a sense of responsibility.
(TYPE/Source: N1/Photo: Illustration/Iranian Army/WANA)
